United Nations Lecture: “Global Fight Against Terrorism”

On Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Alcorn State University’s Office of Global Programs held a United Nations Lecture Series from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm in the Medgar Evers Auditorium at the J.D. Boyd Library.

Alcorn State University United Nations Lecture “Global Fight Against Terrorism” is a lecture series held for students to embrace their country’s history as well as conflicts that are taking place. Students come to receive valuable information about the global fight against terrorism within the United States. This program helps students to understand the importance of terrorism and why the U.S. fights against it. People such as Mr. Garreth Hubbard, President of the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), and Director of Sponsored Programs was present at the Lecture. There was a survey and question and answer portion presented at the Lecture for the students to provide to the speaker.

Dr. Dovil Alipoe, Director of the Office of Global Programs opened the program by introducing himself and welcoming everyone for coming out to the Lecture. He also gave the students some advice before the Lecture began. Dr. Alipoe stated, “I challenge you students to listen as well as comprehend the speaker as he speaks about terrorism across the nation.” He explained how terrorism plays a major role within the U.S. and that we as Americans should understand more about it. Dr. Alipoe went on to state that, “By having a speaker from the United Nations Security Council here he will guide us more into this topic and break down the pros and cons of it.”

The speaker for this event was Paul Mattias Sundholm, the United Nations Security Council Counter Terrorism Executive Director. Mr. Sundholm is currently working as a Communications Advisor to the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, and advising the Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), based in New York. Prior to his UN position, Mr. Sundholm, for four years, served as Deputy
Spokesperson and Deputy Head of Press and Public Diplomacy. For his lecture to the students he explained, “How do we define terrorism and the easiest way to do that is to define the Terrorist Act. Where do we see terrorism today? I think in the introductory mark it was mentioned in the Middle East and that clearly is one area.”

As the event came to a close there was a question and answer portion of the Lecture for Mr. Sundholm. He answered questions from the students and continued to say that, “Terrorism is a big deal in the United States and that the United Nations is working on how to keep the situation under control.” Deondre White, a senior Business major from Miami, Florida stated, “This was my first time coming to this event and I really enjoyed myself. I’ve learned so much about terrorism and what causes different situations that lead up to terrorism.” To conclude the event Dr. Dovil Alipoe thanked Mr. Sundholm for attending and welcomed him back next year.